The Free Government iPhone and Tablet Combo pairs any iPhone we offer with the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9. You get the iPhone you want for calls, texts and apps, plus a light 8.7-inch Android tablet for the whole household. Both are free and refurbished for eligible customers who enroll in Combo Wireless service.
Choose your iPhone
The four iPhones span several years of Apple hardware. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | iPhone 7 | iPhone 13 | iPhone 14 | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR with Dynamic Island |
| Chip | A10 Fusion | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) | A16 Bionic |
| Camera | 12MP rear, 7MP front | Dual 12MP rear (wide + ultra wide), 12MP front | Dual 12MP rear, 12MP front with autofocus | 48MP main + 12MP ultra wide, 12MP front |
| Security | Touch ID | Face ID | — | — |
| Connector | Lightning | Lightning | Lightning | USB-C |
| Software | iOS 15 is the last major iOS version for this model | — | — | — |
| Connectivity | — | 5G capable, physical SIM + eSIM | 5G capable, eSIM only (U.S. models) | 5G capable, eSIM only (U.S. models) |
| Safety | — | — | Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite | Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite |
| Best for | Calls, texts, maps and everyday apps on a compact phone | A balanced iPhone with strong battery life and current iOS support | Added safety features and an eSIM-only setup | The newest iPhone we offer, with USB-C and a 48MP camera |
| Price (eligible) | Free, refurbished | Free, refurbished | Free, refurbished | Free, refurbished |
- iPhone 15: USB-C charging (the same cable type as the Tab A9), a 48MP camera and Dynamic Island.
- iPhone 14: adds Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. U.S. models use eSIM only.
- iPhone 13: supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, with strong battery life for its size.
- iPhone 7: a compact phone for calls, texts and basic apps. Its last major update is iOS 15, so some newer apps may not install.
Full details: iPhone 15 · iPhone 14 · iPhone 13 · iPhone 7
The Galaxy Tab A9 in this combo
| Display | 8.7-inch LCD |
|---|---|
| Software | Android with One UI |
| Size | Light, one-hand friendly 8.7-inch body |
| Storage | Expandable with microSD card |
| Audio | Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Connector | USB-C |
| Condition | Refurbished |
| Price for eligible customers | Free with Combo Wireless service enrollment |
| Service | Unlimited talk & text with a qualifying data allowance on the T-Mobile network |
| Warranty | Standard manufacturer/provider warranty where applicable |
| Shipping | Free standard shipping |
Using an iPhone with an Android tablet
An iPhone and a Galaxy tablet don't share Apple-only features, but most everyday tasks work across both through cross-platform apps:
- Sign in to Google on both. Gmail, Google Photos, Drive and YouTube keep your content in sync across the iPhone and the tablet.
- Share your iPhone's connection. Turn on Personal Hotspot in the iPhone's settings and connect the Tab A9 to it when you're away from Wi-Fi. Hotspot use counts toward your plan's data allowance.
- Messaging. iMessage stays on the iPhone. Apps like WhatsApp or Messenger work on both screens.
Want everything inside the Apple ecosystem? Compare the iPhone and iPad combo.
Diagonal screen size in inches from manufacturer specifications. Foldables shown at main (unfolded) display size.
Source: manufacturer specifications (Apple, Samsung).
Why this combo makes sense
A shared family tablet
An Android tablet is easy to set up with separate Google profiles and kid-friendly parental controls through Google Family Link.
Keep the iPhone you know
If you already use an iPhone, you keep your familiar apps and iCloud backups on the phone.
Eligibility and the iPhone question
Many people search for a "free government iPhone." Lifeline doesn't provide iPhones or tablets; it discounts service. Your household qualifies for Lifeline through SNAP/EBT, Medicaid, SSI, other federal programs, or income. Once you qualify and enroll with Combo Wireless, the iPhone and tablet are our free offer to you. Learn more on our free government iPhone page.
Apply in four steps
- Start your application and select the iPhone & Tablet combo and your iPhone model.
- Complete Lifeline verification.
- Get your line activated, and transfer your number if you're switching.
- Receive both devices with free standard shipping.
iPhone and tablet combo FAQs
Which iPhone should I choose?
For the longest software support, choose the iPhone 15 or 14. The iPhone 13 is a strong middle option. The iPhone 7 suits basic use only because it no longer receives new major iOS versions.
My new iPhone is eSIM-only. What does that mean?
U.S. iPhone 14 and 15 models have no physical SIM tray. Your line is activated digitally with an eSIM. Our support page explains activation.
Can the tablet make phone calls?
Not with a phone number of its own. The combo's service line is on the iPhone. You can make video or internet calls on the tablet using apps over Wi-Fi or hotspot.
Are the devices new?
No. Both the iPhone and the Galaxy Tab A9 are refurbished and include the standard manufacturer or provider warranty where applicable.
